Plans to convert part of Newport shop into flats submitted
The proposal involves transforming the lower ground and first floors of the building at 12 Commercial Road, Newport, into two flats.
The applicant, Mr Brooks, aims to enlarge the existing lower ground floor flat and create a new flat on the first floor.
Currently, the lower ground floor is used partly for retail storage, with the ground floor space serving as a shop.
The proposal includes reconfiguring these spaces to accommodate the new flats.
Rear access to the site is available from Ruperra Lane.
The planning statement submitted with the application states that the development is considered acceptable as it supports efficient land use and sustainability goals.
The site is within the defined urban settlement boundary and is near public transport links.
No external changes to the building are proposed, and the design is said to respect the local context and distinctiveness.
The planning statement asserts that the development will have no adverse impact on neighbour amenity, supported by Local Development Plan (LDP) policies.
No off-street parking is provided in the proposal.
However, this is justified based on the site's location within walking distance of local amenities and public transport, aligning with national sustainability policies.
The site is in Flood Zone 3.
Still, the planning statement notes that all proposed residential units are at or above ground floor level, ensuring refuge above potential flood levels, according to Natural Resources Wales (NRW) data.
The application was submitted by LRJ Planning Ltd on behalf of Mr Brooks.
The planning statement concludes by asserting full compliance with national and local planning policies, requesting that permission be granted based on the policy alignment and sustainability of the scheme.
The building is not within any designated areas such as Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs), National Parks, or local landscape areas, and there are no designated heritage assets nearby.
A decision on the application has not yet been made.
The planning application can be viewed on the Newport City Council website, searching for application number 25/0381.
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